“COMPLEMENT, NOT COMPETE”

“For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”

1 Corinthians 3:9

People tend to have favorites—Christians included. We have favorite songs, sermons, and sometimes, preachers. Sometimes, we unwittingly show we favor one preacher over another because he “ticks all the boxes.” We like pastors who make us laugh, and feel good, or sometimes, we just like their preaching styles. How about you? Do you prefer a particular minister over another?

This brief introduction describes the plot in our verse of the day. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians deals with the disturbing reports he received about the believers in the city of Corinth. One of the issues they were facing was the divisions among the people. Some of them favored Paul; others preferred Apollos; still, others liked Peter.

This section of the book is an open rebuke to the Corinthians. Because of their favoritism, Paul calls them “infants” in Christ. This metaphor demonstrates their spiritual immaturity; they are not ready for solid food but can only consume spiritual milk.

Paul, Apollos, and Peter received their ministries from God, meaning, they were mere workers in God’s “field.” The point is, that the Corinthians should be following the owner of the field, not the workers. Keep in mind that it is not the ministers who cause growth but God.

Moreover, the Corinthians failed to understand that Paul, Apollos, and the other ministers did not compete but complemented one another. They served the singular purpose of bringing the church to maturity. If a pastor has competition in mind, he is sinning, and therefore, is laying a weak foundation for his ministry. 

It’s saddening when Christians compare pastors and preachers, and quite often, such comparisons lead to divisions in the church. While some believers stay in a particular church because of a leader, that’s wrong and unfair. We should see ministers for who they really are:  mere workers of God, who is the Sovereign Lord and Owner of the church. Pastors will all hold an account before God and receive their due rewards.  If we are to give glory to someone, let it be the Lord God Himself.

After all, Jesus paid for the penalty of our sins and gave us a place in heaven, not our favorite pastor. Christ is the One whom we should follow, like, and subscribe to.

Pursue the Saviour today!